$5.5 Million Boost to Strengthen NSW Surf Clubs
Funding will help future-proof the volunteers protecting our beaches.
Surf Life Saving clubs across New South Wales, including those throughout the Northern Rivers, can now apply for a share of $5.5 million in State Government funding to upgrade facilities, improve resilience against severe weather and strengthen community participation.
The NSW Government has opened applications for the latest Surf Club Facility Program, offering grants of up to $1 million to support projects ranging from planning and design through to major construction and redevelopment. The initiative is designed to ensure surf clubs remain safe, modern and capable of supporting the thousands of volunteers who patrol the state’s beaches each year.
A key focus of this year’s funding round is climate resilience, with projects aimed at helping surf clubs better withstand extreme weather events, coastal erosion and severe storms. The program also seeks to improve accessibility and encourage greater participation from people of all backgrounds, helping strengthen the future of Surf Life Saving across New South Wales.
The funding is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing investment in frontline community infrastructure, recognising the critical role surf life saving volunteers play in protecting beachgoers throughout the year.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the investment would ensure surf clubs remain equipped to serve their communities well into the future.
“Our surf life savers turn up rain, hail or shine. This funding makes sure their clubs can too,” Mr Kamper said.
He said upgraded facilities would help create storm-resilient clubhouses, attract more volunteers and improve safety for everyone visiting NSW beaches.
The program is particularly significant for coastal communities in the Northern Rivers, where surf life saving clubs provide vital emergency response, water safety education and patrol services during the busy holiday and summer periods.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the funding complemented recent investments in surf lifesaving as preparations continue for the upcoming patrol season.
He said maintaining high-quality facilities would help volunteers continue their outstanding work protecting millions of beach visitors along the NSW coastline.
Surf Life Saving NSW President Elissa Hancock welcomed the funding, noting the organisation’s membership has grown to more than 86,000 volunteers across 129 surf clubs statewide.
She said modern, safe and accessible facilities were essential to supporting members and the communities they serve.
Ms Hancock thanked the NSW Government for continuing its commitment to ensuring surf clubs remain fit for purpose and capable of meeting future demands.
Applications for Category 1 funding close at 1pm on Monday, 17 August 2026, while Categories 2 and 3 close at 1pm on Monday, 31 August 2026. Eligible surf clubs can apply through the NSW Government grants program.
